If you notice, water bottles now have ridges and stuff in them instead of being smooth cylinders. The reason is that there were several cases where a bottle of water in a car at the right angle and position focused the suns rays and started a fire. With the ridges and other texturing, it's far less likely. But a smooth cylinder of water CAN be an improvised lens.

As I said, the trick is to try out a lot of unconventional things so when you need it, you know you can start a fire.

What about those "fire pistons"? I just started making one out of aluminum today at work. A very cool idea from way back in the day (apparently).

Whatever site I read it on as a members tag line, it's the truest statement ever made.
"Our forefathers would have been shooting by now"
They would have a long time ago, when our government became self serving and lied so openly that the taste of disgust can't be cleared with bleach.
WTF happened to our country?
member # 575

What about those "fire pistons"? I just started making one out of aluminum today at work. A very cool idea from way back in the day (apparently).

What is it ashhoe? I never heard of a "fire piston."
Lot of great ideas on fire starting. Thank you..
One of you guys with mechanical ability, I have none. Might want too look into making a reduced version of the solar fire starter Gunco Bob showed.
I see money in that products future.

"Man needs but two things to survive alone in the woods. A blow up female doll and his trusty old AK-47" - Thomas Jefferson 1781

Just google or youtube "fire piston", you'll see all kinds of crazy stuff.

Whatever site I read it on as a members tag line, it's the truest statement ever made.
"Our forefathers would have been shooting by now"
They would have a long time ago, when our government became self serving and lied so openly that the taste of disgust can't be cleared with bleach.
WTF happened to our country?
member # 575

I have used all kinds of things to make fire , from Bow and drills , to flint and steel , and of course magnifying glasses. However the most fun that I ever had was using ruined headlights to light up stuff, it is amazing how much heat an old car headlight will focus. I will next be building a fire piston, they look like a blast to me.

I think the fire piston will be next for me too. Never used one, never even seen one in fact, looks simple enough to make though.
RB, you should be proud of that young man of yours, most kids his age can't do anything that does not involve a frikkin cell phone or game controller. Good on ya bro!